Not yet, anyway. The Federal Communications Commission says that shortcoming was evident during the Virginia Tech massacre. Students and witnesses tried texting 911 for help. But those texts went unanswered because call centers can’t accept texts or photos.

That doesn’t appear likely to change any time soon, but the government now says it’s ready to explore the possibility of making 911 go mobile. FCC Commissioner Julius Genachowski announced today that the commission will hold a Next Generation 911 proceeding in December, the first step in an inquiry process that will determine states’ capabilities and financing requirements for updating the system.

“Today’s 9-1-1 system doesn’t support the communication tools of tomorrow,” Mr. Genachowski said. “Many 9-1-1 call centers don’t even have broadband, and some are in communities where broadband isn’t even available. That is unacceptable.”

According to the FCC, 911 call centers handle about 650,000 calls a day, 70% of which are made from mobile phones. Despite that data, Mr. Genachowski said, “If you find yourself in an emergency situation and want to send a text for help, you can pretty much text anyone except a 9-1-1 call center.”

If implemented, call centers would be able to text for help, send videos or photos to first responders with real-time information and allow for auto alerts from devices, like highway cameras, personal medical devices or environmental sensors that detect chemicals.